The Charlotte Pride Band is losing its artistic director and principal conductor, Dr. John Ross, following his resignation from Appalachian State University amid an investigation that the university says uncovered a sustained pattern of alleged sexual misconduct.
“[The] Charlotte Pride Band considers the safety, comfort, and well-being of our members our top priority,” the group posted on social media. “As such, we take the reports of Dr. Ross’ alleged behavior seriously. The Board of Directors has made the decision not to renew Dr. Ross’ contract when it expires at the end of this month. At this time, we are moving forward with Spencer Hinson acting as our interim Artistic Director.”
Ross had served as artistic director and principal conductor of the Charlotte Pride Band, which includes concert, jazz and marching/pep ensembles. He joined the organization as artistic director in 2018 and remained in that leadership position until the recent controversy surrounding his departure from Appalachian State.
The Charlotte Pride Band band’s mission is to provide an open and inviting environment for musicians while promoting respect for LGBTQ+ people through musical performances. Its stated vision emphasizes using music to bring people together and create a diverse and supportive community.
The organization’s decision follows Ross’s July resignation from Appalachian State, where he had been an associate professor of music and director of bands in the Hayes School of Music since 2006. University records identify him as the conductor of the Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds and Concert Band and a teacher of conducting at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Appalachian State said it began investigating Ross in February 2026 after receiving an allegation of misconduct. During the investigation, university officials reviewed earlier reports, including allegations of sexual harassment made by a group of Appalachian State students in 2015. Those allegations were not substantiated at the time.
The university also learned that a former student at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan, had reported that Ross sexually harassed them while he was employed there. Ross had worked at Interlochen from 1992 to 2000.
Appalachian State subsequently placed Ross on administrative leave and barred him from campus while the investigation continued. The university said investigators ultimately found a “sustained pattern” of alleged sexual misconduct. On June 26, the university issued Ross a notice of intent to discharge him.
Ross resigned July 8, effective July 9, before the university’s required 14-day discharge-notice period had expired. Appalachian State emphasized that it did not solicit his resignation and intended to proceed with his discharge.
“The safety of our students, faculty, and staff will always be our highest priority,” Chancellor Heather Norris said in the university’s statement, describing a pattern of misconduct that violated community members’ dignity and well-being as “egregious and completely unacceptable.”
The university also said Ross had undergone criminal background checks when appropriate and that those checks had not produced information that would have prevented his employment or participation in university programs.
For the Charlotte Pride Band, the decision not to renew Ross’s contract marks the end of an era that saw much in the form of creative growth. At press time there was no indication that a permanent replacement for Ross had yet to begin. Their code of conduct states that reported allegations can be reviewed by its Judicial Board and may result in disciplinary measures, including suspension or removal, depending on the circumstances.
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